What we do at Precision EndGate - Save Money … Increase Safety

At Precision EndGate Safety, we work with independent dump truck owners, construction companies, and executives concerned about being sued and the impact of rising insurance costs due to accidents involving their trucks and trailers.

Jurisdictions across North America are holding employees and executives directly responsible for accidents, leading to lawsuits and penalties.

Just one accident could result in skyrocketing workplace insurance rates and fines that can, and do, cripple companies. All as a result of accidents that are preventable.

Companies are frustrated by the loss of time and money that occurs when an end gate / tail gate opens accidentally and spills debris all over the road or when an accident occurs when a lift system is left in the raised position.

Our clients appreciate the fact that our Dump Box Safety System saves time, reduces the risk of accidents, and increases productivity.

Put an end to dump box spills and overhead collisions forever!

Precision's Dump Box Safety System is a proven fix, guaranteed to keep dump trucks loads where they belong; securely behind the endgate / tailgate. Our innovative patented system works by overriding the tailgate locking mechanism to ensure no tailgate will ever open accidentally. The new Elevation Indicator System has a dashboard light indicator and in cab audible alarm that activates when the lift is up in a potentially dangerous posistion.

Our Dump Box Safety System and Elevation Indicator System works on all trucks with a lift system including; dump trucks, flatbeds, garbage trucks and haulers with a lift system.

Say Goodbye Forever To :
• Time delays and lost productivity related to spills
• Costly repairs to property, vehicles and equipment damaged by spilled debris or a lifted truck box
• Fines and penalties
• Compromised public confidence
• Crashes that occur when truck boxes are left up
• Skyrocketing costs related to accident clean-up, fines, and insurance premiums

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Visit our website at http://www.precisionendgate.com/
Or call 1-877-942-4225

Driver fatally crushed after box
of garbage truck becomes elevated
during travel and crashes into overpass. WorksafeBC incident report says the truck had no audible or visual warning system to warn the driver.

Protect the public, consumer confidence, and your bottom line with the Dump Box Safety System and the Elevation Indicator System. Dump Box Safety System and the Elevation Indicator System costs just a fraction of what a single lawsuit or safety infraction would. And it pays for itself over and over again in increased productivity and reduced downtime.

Mark Deverson
President
Precision Endgate Safety Inc.
Phone: 1-877-942-4225
Fax: 1-866-278-8735
Email: mark@precisionendgate.com
http://www.precisionendgate.com/

Monday, June 15, 2009

Dump truck safety on and off site


Unloading onto a surface that is not level is the main cause of dump trucks of all types tipping over.

A RISING TREND of accidents with dump trucks around the world has encouraged various national construction organizations to issue general advice about safe use of these machines. This is fully supported by the manufacturers, many of whom encourage customers to undergo training.

The main danger is of the truck tipping over when it is in the active raised position, and the advice applies to dumpers of all types--rigid road-going trucks, semi-trailers, off-road articulated dump trucks (ADTs) and even small site dumpers and appropriately-equipped pick-up trucks and trailers.

The risk comes from the centre of gravity of the loaded dumper or combination being raised beyond a safe level and outside the dimensions of the frame when the load area or 'box' is being prepared for tipping. This situation can arise silently and unexpectedly, especially if the operator has no idea of the weight of material he is handling. And this dangerous condition is particularly likely to be reached if the to-be-dumped material sticks to the top of the load-carrying container.

The problem gets much worse if the dumper is not on a stable level surface when the box is raised, when material flows out unevenly or the rear wheels do not settle evenly as the load is transferred and reduced. These conditions are exacerbated if the suspension system of the dump truck is in poor condition (especially if one side is worse than the other), if the hydraulic lifting cylinder(s) are not working smoothly and properly or if the tire pressures are not matched equally side for side.

To prevent some of these problems developing dump truck load areas should always be emptied out overnight and, if possible, hosed down to prevent sticking of material, too. All mechanical damage that prevents free movement of material in the box should be repaired as soon as it is noticed.

Safe loads

When filling up a dump truck without an onboard load-checking and warning system the operator should always be shown clearly what is an acceptable safe limit for the material being conveyed; remember that wet sand is much heavier than dry, for example. With big machines especially always try to ensure that the box is trimmed side to side as it is loaded so that the weight is continually distributed as evenly as possible.

Pressure should never be put on to the operator or loader to exceed the safe limit; it costs far less to make more delivery trips than to pay for all the costs that a dump truck tip-over will produce--including machine and construction site downtime.

Operators of small multi-purpose dumpers--those based on roadworthy pick-up trucks, for example--often choose to fit load-area liners to their vehicles or tipping trailers. Not only do these keep the machines clean and ready to handle the next job but they can help the material to flow out smoothly and therefore safely, too. These liners can be supplied to fit most of the bigger machines. Many contractors fabricate their own or carry suitable plastic sheeting for use when needed.

When the dump truck driver arrives at the dumping site he should know what he is looking for in terms of a safe area to unload; this is not a job for an unskilled operator. The hand-braked vehicle should be on level ground that is evenly compacted so that the wheels on one side do not sink in. This is especially important if a worked-over landfill site is being used. Inspect the unloading area by walking over it first, especially for voids. Landfill sites are notorious for these.

Unlock the tailgate

Always make sure that the tailgate fastening mechanism is fully unlocked before starting to raise the tipping body; failure to do this could both damage the mechanism and destabilize the tipper. It is common to spread the unloaded material out by driving the vehicle forward with the body raised; this is fine as long as the complete length of straight run is clear. It should be reasonably level too.

It is obvious from the above that maintenance of the dump truck is critical to the safety of the dumping operation. Apart from the points already mentioned operators should make sure that all tire pressures are checked every day, with particular care being taken that they are equal on both sides of the dumper. In the same way the suspension system should be inspected regularly for both adequate performance under load, and for matching from side to side. So should the hydraulic pressure system that operates the box-raising mechanism, with particular attention being paid to the condition of the operating cylinder or cylinders.

Keep the tipper body itself in good clean mechanical condition with all physical damage put right before the machine is put away for the night. Major repairs should be entrusted to a competent welder.

Operating one of these machines is a skilled job which needs both common sense and training as the extent of the risk (and its unseen increase as the box is raised) is not always obvious. And, as with all other types of earthmoving equipment, tired operators are the ones who are most likely to make mistakes.

Experience shows that it is not just the operator of the dump truck who is at risk, however. Other site personnel can get in the way so those working on foot should be warned to keep away both from the dumping site and from the route to it.

Skilled operators also know to make sure they are not required to unload when another earthmoving vehicle is parked or operating alongside as a tipping dumper can cause serious damage to one of these--and to its operation.

2007 Alain Charles Publishing Ltd.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Dump Truck Safety Tip - LOOK UP LOOK OUT BEFORE YOU LIFT YOUR LOAD


In 2006 there were 3 dump truck related deaths in Ontario.
Dump truck drivers and construction workers must ensure they are aware of the location and voltage of overhead powerlines where they are working.
Most overhead powerlines are not insulated. Metal objects that contact these lines become energized to the same voltage as the line. Dump trucks are included. Tires can act as an insulator until they blow. At this time the vehicle and the ground around it will become energized. If tires do not blow drivers should check these for damage.
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) recommends that drivers and workers maintain a distance of more than 10 feet from powerlines on poles. The Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations mandate the safe limits of approach to overhead powerlines based on voltage ratings.
Drivers and workers must be made aware of overhead powerline hazards and know what safe limits of approach to adhere to. Caution should be taken not only when lifting the dump truck box – but also when lowering this to avoid unexpected contact with overhead powerlines.
In the event that your vehicle comes in contact with a powerline – A driver can be electrocuted if he/she attempts to leave the truck. Warn others to Stay Back! If someone were to touch the side of the truck they would be electrocuted by the energized dump truck. In 2006 three people were electrocuted as a result of dump truck contact with a powerline.
In addition the ground around an energized vehicle will carry electricity for up to 35 feet.
In the event of a powerline call 911 or the Local Distribution Company (Electrical Utility) to ensure that power on the powerline is disconnected.
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No Accidental Dumping or Lifted Truck Boxes Allowed